Nested Construction Profiles for Compact Load-Bearing Platforms

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing construction profiles for storage platforms face challenges in achieving a balance between load capacity and compact design, with traditional methods either doubling profiles for increased load-bearing capacity at the expense of space efficiency or using welded profiles that are not reusable.

Innovation Solution

A modular construction profile system where profiles of varying sizes can be nested and connected using standardized bolt patterns, allowing for adjustable load-bearing configurations and easy reconfiguration without welding, ensuring high resilience and universal usability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If two construction profiles are screwed together to double load-bearing capacity, then load capacity is improved, but profile volume increases and storage area utilization decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload-bearing capacityVSAvoidprofile volume
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies nesting by placing one construction profile inside another profile of larger cross-section. The inner profile is positioned within the hollow cross-section of the outer profile, creating a compact combined structure. This nesting arrangement allows two profiles to occupy the same spatial envelope, thereby doubling load-bearing capacity while minimizing the increase in overall profile volume and maximizing storage area utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Strength

If welded construction profiles are used, then structural integrity is improved, but reusability and adaptability are lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidreusability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the connection method into discrete, separable components. Instead of creating a permanent welded joint, the profile is designed with standardized holes that allow for bolted or screwed connections. This segmentation enables the structure to be disassembled and reconfigured, maintaining structural integrity through mechanical fastening while preserving reusability and adaptability for different storage platform configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a static, permanent welded connection to a dynamic, adjustable mechanical connection. The standardized hole patterns and fastening systems allow the profile to be easily assembled, disassembled, and reconfigured according to different load requirements and storage platform designs, providing both structural integrity and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Volume of stationary object

If profiles of different cross-sections are nested, then compact design is improved, but connection complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprofile volumeVSAvoidconnection complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by implementing standardized hole patterns and connection systems that work across profiles of different cross-sections. The inner and outer profiles both feature holes at standardized positions and intervals, allowing the same fastening components and connection methods to be used regardless of profile size. This universal connection system simplifies the nesting process despite varying cross-sections, reducing connection complexity while enabling compact design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3427851A1Construction profile and combination profile consisting of at least two construction profiles and guard rail bracket
Publication Date: 2019.01.16 FALKENHAGEN OLIVER
  • EP3427851A1 patent drawingFigure 1~5
  • EP3427851A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3427851A1 patent drawingFigure 6a~6c

AI summary

A structural profile, a combination profile consisting of at least two structural profiles, and a railing support are proposed. To create a combination profile particularly suitable for constructing mezzanine floors, characterized by universal applicability and a compact design, the second structural profile (2) has a smaller cross-section than the first structural profile (1) and is arranged within and enclosed by the first structural profile (1). Furthermore, the holes (6.1, 6.2) and the rows (R1, R2) formed by the holes in the longitudinal direction of the profile of the second structural profile (2) correspond to the holes (6.1, 6.2) and the rows (R1, R2) formed by the holes in the longitudinal direction of the profile of the first structural profile (1). At least one bolt (9) is simultaneously through holes in a main face (1A or 1C) and the parallel main face (1B or 1D) of the first structural profile (1), and through holes (2A or 2D).2C) in a main side and the parallel main side (2B or 2D) of the second construction profile (2).